Edgy Tim on football | Game of ball and strike could have lasting implications for some recruits

September 13, 2012|Edgy Tim | On High School Football

(Chicago Tribune photo)

I can't help but wonder about the short- and long-term impact the Chicago Public Schools teachers' strike will have on football prospects.

I realize football isn't a big deal in the overall picture, but it's big for some student-athletes, both in terms of athletic and educational progress.

The Class of 2013 easily is one of the deepest in recent memory, with more than 90 — and counting — Illinois high school players with scholarship offers.

Some of those players hail from the Chicago Public League, and several CPL others are on the verge of drawing more offers and looks — if they can get back on the field and in the classroom sooner rather than later.

Several colleges have been in touch with Simeon defensive end Devante Lee, including Kansas, Ole Miss and several Big Ten schools. All want to see Lee on film. A strong showing could mean a full ride, but Lee's chances for film are dwindling with the strike going on.

"It's really frustrating," Lee said. "I just want to be back in school and back on the field playing games. We've been getting together for practices on our own, and everyone is on the same page, but it's still different. I want to be out there and helping us win games and hopefully playing well and showing those colleges what I can do."

Julian senior defensive end Khairi Bailey is another player whose recruiting stock could see a surge with a strong senior season. Bailey has seven scholarship offers from bigger BCS players like Iowa State and Purdue, but he has a chance to draw even more if he can get back on the field and into the classroom.

Harlan senior guard Ki-Jana Evans is a prime example of someone who would benefit from playing. Evans has offers from several Mid-American Conference schools and is getting looks from Big Ten and SEC schools. The rub for Evans is that those schools want to see how he's progressed, which can't be decided by a practice.

Robeson senior running back Devon Sanders landed an offer from Purdue, contingent upon his continued progress in the classroom this fall. If Sanders could keep his grades up, Purdue and others would be ready to take his commitment.

Here's hoping the strike is resolved sooner rather than later.

--Tim O'Halloran is the publisher of edgytim.com and a regular Tribune contributor.